Skip to main content

Music CompositionMajor

Society's increased interest in the arts is creating many new opportunities for professional composers and teachers. This program will prepare you to be a composer in both acoustic and electronic styles.

Overview

What is Music Composition at WVU like?

Description

The Bachelor of Music in Composition is designed for students wishing to prepare themselves as composers in both acoustic and electronic styles. Society's increased interest in the arts is creating many new opportunities for the professional composer and teacher.

A Composition major should enter as a freshman having achieved proficiency level four on the major instrument, and must complete proficiency level eight on that instrument before graduation. If piano is not the major instrument, the student must achieve a level four on piano.

At least a B average in the required freshman and sophomore theory courses or the consent of the coordinator of theory/composition is required for continuation in this curriculum. Composition majors must present two solo performances on the major instrument in upper-level recitals before graduation.

All interested students must apply to the University and audition for the School of Music for acceptance.

Music Composition program highlights:

At a Glance

Next Steps

Interested in this major? Here are some suggested next steps:

Apply NowRequest InfoVirtual TourVisit WVU

Fast Facts

What makes Music Composition at WVU unique?

Research and Academic Opportunities

  • The Evansdale Library is just a short walk from the Creative Arts Center and houses printed and sound music resources.
  • Creative Arts Center facilities include rehearsal spaces, practice rooms, classrooms and electronic music laboratory.
  • Courses include private lessons in composition and on your major instrument.
  • Wide variety of performance opportunities offered in large ensembles (band, orchestra, choral, jazz and opera) and smaller chamber ensembles (string, brass, woodwind, percussion, vocal, jazz and world music).

Living-Learning Communities (LLCs)

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a residence hall community that shares your interests:

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU. Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Student Organizations

Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the student organizations you can join.

Professional Organizations

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Careers

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Our graduates often serve as freelance composers/arrangers for various musical groups and organizations. Most further their education by pursuing a graduate degree in music composition.

Possible Careers

Wondering what you can do with a degree from WVU's Music Composition major? Check out these ideas from WVU Career Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.

Employers

Graduates from this major have gone to work at:

Courses

What are the courses like in Music Composition at WVU?

Plan of Study

Check out a program overview, learning goals, course descriptions and suggested plan of study for WVU's Music Composition major.

View the Plan of Study
 

Cost and Aid

How much does Music Composition at WVU cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates for the 2022-23 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current West Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.

West Virginia Resident
Per Credit $432
Per Semester $5,184
Fall and Spring Semesters $10,368
Non-Resident
Per Credit $1,166
Per Semester $13,992
Fall and Spring Semesters $27,984
International
Per Credit $1,166
Per Semester $14,292
Fall and Spring Semesters $28,584
Scholarship Chart

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

Visit the Scholarship Chart
Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any WVU System campus.

Visit the Net Price Calculator

Ways to Save

Here is a way for you to save on the cost of attending WVU in addition to university scholarships.

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.

Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Learn How to Transfer Course Credits

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Music Composition at WVU?

To be admitted to WVU's Music Composition major, you must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements for the 2022-23 academic year. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Related Majors and Minors

What other options does WVU have?

What minors could I consider?

Related Pathways

What majors share similar career interests with this major at WVU?

Next Steps

I like this major. What are the next steps?

Apply Now

Your first step to becoming a Mountaineer is applying for admission. Our online application makes the process as convenient as possible.

Apply Now

Request Information

Want to know more about Music Composition at WVU? Fill out the Request Information form to receive more information about the program and life at WVU.

Request Info

Visit WVU

It's the next-best thing to being here – you can virtually tour residence halls and the WVU Morgantown Campus.

Virtual TourVisit WVU

Have a Question?

Type your question below for an answer.

Not sure what to ask? Review 10 common questions.

Information for

Interested in talking to someone about WVU?

Connect with Your Admissions Counselor
Schedule a Call with a Student Ambassador
Contact WVU Admissions